The Main Types Of Child Custody
If you're going through a divorce, you need to understand the implications that come with separation from your partner. Despite the split, most parents want to be part of their child's life. You may want to find a way to maintain the relationship you have with your kids – one that works for all involved. Therefore, it is important that you know about the various types of child custody.
Discover the main types of child custody to understand what might fit your needs.
Sole Custody
Only one parent is granted full responsibility for the child in sole custody. As the custodial parent, you make crucial decisions about housing, schooling, medical care, and religion on behalf of your child. The court could then grant the non-custodial parent scheduled visitation hours with their child.
Although sole custody may seem unfair for the non-custodial parent, the court enforces this agreement when one parent is deemed unfit or has little input in their child's upbringing. A parent could also be denied custody if they have a history of violence, drug abuse, incarceration, or mental illness.
Remember that sole custody could interfere with the non-custodial parent's relationship with the child since they have limited access to their child. So, you may want to keep that in mind as you consider pushing for sole custody.
Joint Custody
In joint custody, the court grants both parents responsible for their child's upbringing. In other words, both parents have legal and physical custody of their child. As such, joint custody will require you to involve your ex in all decisions that you make about your child. Failure to do so could result in a situation where your partner asks the court to enforce the custodial agreement further.
Joint custody allows both parents to have an active role in their child's life. You and your partner can split time and choose what days each of you spends with your kids. For example, one of you might choose to have the kids on weekdays while the other stays with them on weekends and holidays. Either way, you both have to work out a convenient schedule for you and your children.
In cases where parents live in the same neighborhood, alternating between homes is easier for the child. However, if the parents' homes are significantly far from each other, going back and forth may be difficult, especially for young children who need some form of stability.
Custody cases can be complex for many parents. Therefore, be sure to contact a child custody lawyer who can help you protect custodial rights over your child.
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